Western Bay of Plenty District Council is progressing plans to replace the Katikati wastewater outfall pipeline following a series of failures over the past two years.
Council’s General Manager Infrastructure, Brad Singh, says the pipeline has experienced multiple breaks - four in the past six months alone.
“This is a 12km pipeline buried three metres beneath Tauranga Harbour, and every repair is complex, costly, and high-risk,” explains Brad.
“We’ve reached a point where a long-term solution is essential.”
The Katikati Wastewater Treatment Plant currently discharges treated wastewater via an ocean outfall pipeline off Matakana Island. While the pipeline is designed to discharge treated wastewater offshore, leaks along the route mean treated wastewater can enter the harbour in uncontrolled locations. These require urgent repairs, which are complex and costly. That’s why Council is acting now to plan for a long-term solution.
The current discharge consent was granted for 20 years in 2018 under national resource management rules. It expires in 2038 and requires Council to confirm a future disposal method by 2026 to ensure we have a sustainable long-term solution for managing Katikati’s wastewater.
Council is working on a long-term solution for how treated wastewater is managed in Katikati - one that protects the harbour, meets environmental standards, and respects cultural values. Tangata whenua and key stakeholders have helped shape an approach that would keep an ocean outfall but with higher treatment standards. This option will be consulted on with the community in early 2026 as part of the 2027-37 Long Term Plan process.
Council is also progressing the Katikati Spatial Plan, which looks at the future of the wider area - including infrastructure, environment, and community needs. The wastewater outfall project is being considered alongside this work to ensure solutions are joined up and reflect the community’s long-term vision.
“We know the recent leaks have caused concern, and that’s why we’re acting now,” says Brad.
“It’s about finding the right balance - progressing the mahi needed to ensure a future solution is in place within a reasonable timeframe, while still giving the community a clear opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed disposal option.”
Funding for this mahi is already provided for in Council’s current Long Term Plan, with significant investment earmarked for the Katikati wastewater outfall replacement. The current Annual Plan also includes budgets for investigations and preparatory work, ensuring the project is delivered in a financially sustainable way.
Council is moving ahead with design and consenting for the pipeline replacement supported by early engagement with key stakeholders.
In the meantime, Council continues to manage risks through enhanced pressure monitoring, flow meters, and additional storage solutions to minimise the chance of further leaks.
“This is about future-proofing our infrastructure while respecting the harbour and the communities who rely on it,” says Brad.
